Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and article of manufacture, wherein a data structure corresponding to a set of client nodes selected from a plurality of client nodes is generated. Objects from the selected set of client nodes are stored in the data structure. A determination is made that an object corresponding to a client node of the selected set of client nodes has to be stored. An additional determination is made as to whether the object has already been stored in the data structure by any client node of the selected set of client nodes. The object is stored in the data structure, in response to determining that the object has not already been stored in the data structure by any client node of the selected set of client nodes.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system to restore data from a networked storage pool where a storage agent requests information pertaining to data objects that are associated with a data restore. A storage server responds by querying a storage database to find metadata corresponding to the restore objects, combines the metadata into a packet, and sends the packet to the requester. The storage agent receives the packet which contains an aggregation of information corresponding to the data objects. The storage agent uses the information to send data to a client to copy the data objects to a restore volume and restore attributes such as a file name and access rights. Aggregating the information reduces network traffic and decreases the time necessary to perform the data restore operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and associated systems for authenticating the identity of a user for use in a distributed computer network including multiple sets of access credentials. A user request, including the user's input credentials, is received, and then compared simultaneously to multiple sets of access credentials in order to verify the user's input credentials. When the user's input credentials are verified, the appropriate level of access authority is then determined, and proper access is granted to the user.

Abstract: A method of restoring data in a computer network system wherein a plurality of client systems have access to a storage pool coupled to an associated storage area network (SAN) includes: requesting a restore wherein each of the plurality of client systems may participate in the restore; and coordinating access to the data stored in the storage pool by tracking a plurality of data portions of the data to be restored and by blocking access to each of the plurality of data portions that have been restored by one of the plurality of client systems to avoid duplicative restoration efforts. A master restore table may also be constructed to assist with coordinating access to the stored data. A computer network system configured to coordinate a restore request where a plurality of client systems may participate in the restore is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for remotely accessing a client in a client-server system. From a browser, an end user enters a URL containing a machine name and a port number. A listening program at the client listening on that port number establishes communication with the browser and invokes a client agent. The client agent includes conventional client functions as well as APIs that allow the client to interface with both the server and the browser. The client agent then serves an applet to the browser that makes the browser appear to the end user as the client machine. The user can then execute client functions from the browser. Examples of the client functions include backing up and restoring files from the client to/from the server, migrating or recalling files, archiving or retrieving files.